Toyota keeps the crown in the Camry

There is nothing not to like in Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) all-new Camry — after all, it is the top gun, premium luxury sedan of the Japanese company.

I have always admired the Camry, which dates back to 1982, with the first Camry hitting the roads in the Philippines in 1996.

Several years and seven generations of its updated models later, the Camry remains the best-selling midsize sedan for the past 15 years. The Camry was named after the word “crown,” following Toyota’s tradition of using “crown” for its luxury vehicles.

The Camry has succeeded in being a familiar name and popular choice among luxury sedan vehicles.

Just comfort: The cockpit of the Toyota Camry

My older brother, who drives a Camry, said that he is happy with his choice because, “it is reliable, has a smooth drive, and is not flashy, but elegant — something that makes it my luxury sedan of choice.”

So, on the week that I test drove the Camry, I was not to be disappointed — it is everything that I have been told about and then some.

For starters, there is that aerodynamic styling and stance, which exude a strong presence, a presence that assured me that this sedan is no weakling. 

After all, the Camry boasts a luxurious and cutting-edge design. Based on the Toyota key development concept of0  “New era sedan,” the all-new Camry balances a sense of power and comfort that speaks of its authoritative driving performance and lavishing interior.

But, as every driver knows, looks are not everything.

Time for a drive

It was a Sunday, and I wanted to buy some yema at Susing’s in Angeles, Pampanga. So, what better way to get my fill of sweet treats than to take a cruise in Toyota Camry.

I started the 2.5-Liter S-Type, 4-Cylinder In-Line, 16 Valve, DOHC, Dual VVT-i engine, and I loved the sound of it. No, not a noisy engine, but a classing purr — much like the purr of my male exotic kitty, Mr. Gizmo, assuring me that the drive would be smooth and fun, too.

The chassis system of the Camry is highlighted with super ECT. This transmission technology allows power to pass more efficiently to the wheels, while the sequential shift lever lets the driver enjoy manual transmission-like aggressiveness for a sportier drive.

I always have fun on the wheel when I am able to make a choice for the most suitable gear based on the current driving conditions.

Once seated, I got the engine going, starting with the push-button feature. I will add here, that for drivers like me, feeling safe in a luxury vehicle is a must. Thanks to the Smart Entry and Start System, the Camry doors were unlocked as I approached the Camry.

As I entered NLEX, I took notice of the luxurious interiors equipped with high-end features that begin with the driver’s seat. Of course, there is that “love to hold” steering wheel, which is made of leather with wood grain material, and incorporates power only tilt and telescopic system.

On the drive I appreciated the control I had on the steering wheel, which incorporates audio, and multi-information display (MID) — at the push of the buttons.

The drive on the NLEX was a bit “bitin” for me, as I felt the Camry wanting me to push it to the limit — but, the 100-kph speed limit, well, limits me.

I kept my eyes on the speedometer, looking at it every few minutes — so I stayed within 100 kph. I also notice that the cockpit showed me the outside temperature, average speed, cruising range, average fuel consumption and elapsed time of the drive — coolness. 

Keeping on the drive during that hot day was easy peasy, as the Camry is equipped with a two-zone temperature control system, which can be regulated for the driver, front passenger and rear seats separately. The Camry is characterized by an ultimately balanced ratio of positive and negative ions. This plasma cluster purifies the air inside the car by preventing absorption of mold, fungus and dust.

Something an asthmatic like me appreciates.

Sweet Stop

I stepped on the brakes too soon as I arrived at Susing’s.  But I was in awe of the Camry’s ABS and Brake Assist System, coupled with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) technology. As I drove through the NLEX and needed to stop on a dime when buses swerving tried to overtake me — I appreciated the EBD which detects tire slippage and automatically helps stabilize the car when on steps on the brakes suddenly. 

I will have to mention here the electric retractable outer mirrors, which are hydrophilic, incorporated with wide view and reverse link features. So, when I was backing into a parking space in front of Susing’s and shifted into reverse, the on-screen reverse camera showed the rear area of the vehicle to facilitate safer backing-up.

I got off the Camry, and rushed into Susing’s as my craving for the sweet yema had reached a peak.

Indulging in yema, check — so it was time to head home.

How sweet it was to load the Camry with my ever-favorite yema. Sweeter yet to know that I would be driving home in comfort and in the luxury of my ride.